Just a couple years ago Deron Williams was an All-Star automatic — if the fans didn’t vote him in, the coaches would. And should have. In 2010 he averaged 18.7 points and 10.5 assists per game with a PER of 20.6. He got mentioned next to Chris Paul in the “best point guard in the game” conversations.

Now… not so much. This season he is averaging 16.8 points and 7.7 assists a game, is shooting just 40.9 percent (32.8 percent from three) and has a PER 18.3. He’s still good, but is he an All-Star?

“I just think there’s people playing better than me,” he said Tuesday.

He’s right. And most year’s there wouldn’t be a question he’d sit it out, but this year is not deep with amazing guards in the East and Williams could still find himself voted in by the coaches.

When the All-Star starters are announced Thursday, Rajon Rondo and Dwyane Wade will get the guard spots in the East (they had a pretty healthy lead heading into the final week of voting).

After that what other guards go in? To me Kyrie Irving is a lock. After that you have a mix of guys like Jrue Holiday, Monta Ellis, J.R. Smith and D-Will who you could argue deserve a spot. It wouldn’t be shocking to see the coaches go with Williams out of that pack (I’d go Holiday, personally).

D-Will is right, other guys have played better this year. That often has little to do with All-Star selections.

I say J.Holliday. Yeah he is only 22/23 and probably will make future AS games. Smith is having his best season in my opinion, but teams don’t plan to stop him. He isn’t the focal point of the Knicks offense. Holiday is clearly the focal point teams try and stop on the Sixers. Ellis is showing he is more then just a scorer this season. All 3 guys have the numbers to be considered AS

Using the criteria you used when comparing Deron Williams’ 2010 All-Star Season to this season, I determined who I think is the most deserving of an All Star appearance this year out of the players you named. In order from most deserving to least….